Lighting system for an environment and a control module for use therein

ABSTRACT

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a lighting system that includes a line control module and light modules. The line control module can be configured to interrupt power to the light modules according to one or more power interruption schemes to control an operation of the light modules. The line control module can have user interface circuitry including a rotary encoder with a shaft and a push button, a preview circuit, and indicator light emitting diodes. A user can interact with the lighting system via the user interface circuitry, which can be configured to provide visual feedback of various settings of the lighting system.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. Non-Provisionalapplication Ser. No. 15/050,207 filed on Feb. 22, 2016, which is acontinuation application of U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No.14/790,956 filed on Jul. 2, 2015, the entire disclosures of which areexpressly incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to lighting systems. More particularly,the present disclosure relates to a lighting system including a linecontrol module that controls operation of light modules in the lightingsystem, and more particularly, to a lighting system including a linecontrol module for controlling operation of the light modules based oninterruption of power to the light modules.

BACKGROUND

Lighting systems for residential and commercial aquatic environments(e.g., pool, spa, water parks, etc.) are becoming increasinglysophisticated. In some instances, lights in a lighting system can outputdifferent colors that can be used to generate a variety of “lightshows,” which, as used herein, refers to the ability of the lights tooutput color(s) either statically or dynamically over time. As anexample, a light show may include outputting a color from a light, wherethe color of the light remains the same until the user changes the colorof the light. As another example, a light show may include repeatedlyoutputting a sequence of colors from a light over time.

One approach to controlling which light show is output by the lightsincludes connecting the lights to a manual switch, such as aconventional wall mounted light switch. To control which light show isoutput by the lights, the user manually cycles the switch between its onand off position. For example, each time the user cycles the power tothe lights by turning the light switch off and then on, the lights canincrement to the next light show that can be output by the lights. As aresult, a user may have to cycle the power several times to select adesired light show to be output by the lights. The use of a manualswitch can also limit an operation of a lighting system that isconfigured to output light shows. As one example, it may not be possibleor practical to implement dimming functions, to change a rate at whichthe lights cycle through colors in a selected light show, and/or set atimer or schedule an operation of the lights using a manual switch.

Another approach to controlling which light show is output by lights ina light system includes incorporating networking capabilities into thelights so that the lights can be controlled by a central controller viaa data network, where each light includes a unique identifier/addressand the central control issue packets of data over the data network tothe lights using the unique identifiers/addresses of the lights. Whilethis approach provides improved flexibility and sophistication over themanual switch approach, it can be cumbersome and time consuming toinstall and may add unnecessary complexity to a lighting system.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to a line control module and lightingsystems that utilize the line control module to control operation of thelight modules in the lighting system. In one embodiment, a lightingsystem is disclosed that includes a light module and a line controlmodule. The light module is configured to output light in differentcolors according to light show programs. The line control module isoperatively coupled to the light module and controls transmission ofline voltage to the light module to selectively power the light module.The line control module sends commands to the light module to control anoperation of the light module by interrupting the transmission of theline voltage to the light module for a specified time period in responseto user inputs received by the line control module.

In another embodiment, a line control module for a light system isprovided, including one or more light modules configured to output lightin different colors. The line control module includes one or moreswitches, a non-transitory computer-readable medium, and a processingdevice. The one or more switches are configured to selectively connect aline voltage at an input of the line control module to an output of theline control module. The non-transitory computer-readable memory storesfirmware. The processing device is operatively coupled to the one ormore switches and the non-transitory computer-readable medium, and isprogrammed to execute the firmware to control the one or more switchesto disconnect the line voltage from the output for a first duration oftime and to reconnect the line voltage to the output after the firstduration of time. The first duration of time for which the power isdisconnected corresponds to a command for controlling an operation ofone or more light modules operatively coupled to the output of linecontrol module.

In another embodiment, a method of controlling an operation of lightmodules in a lighting system using a line control module configured tooperatively couple a mains power supply to the light modules and toelectrically isolate the mains power supply from the light modules isdisclosed. The method includes initiating an operation for adjusting oneor more settings of the light modules in response to actuation of a modeselection switch, energizing one or more indicator light emitting diodesof the line control module to indicate a last setting of the lightmodules; adjusting a quantity of the indicator light emitting diodesthat are energized in response to rotation of a shaft of a rotaryencoder of the line control module to indicate a new setting of thelight modules; and toggling power to the light modules by the linecontrol module to instruct the light modules to adjust an output basedon the new setting.

Any combination and permutation of embodiments is envisioned. Otherembodiments, objects, and features will become apparent from thefollowing detailed description considered in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that thedrawings are designed as an illustration only and not as a definition ofthe limits of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary lighting system in accordancewith exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2A is a block diagram of a line control module in accordance withexemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2B is a block diagram showing various components of a line controlmodule in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIGS. 3A-H depict exemplary schematics of a line control module inaccordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 4A-D depict exemplary schematics of alternate line control modulein accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary wall mount assembly of a line control modulein accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 depicts an exemplary illustration of a face plate of a linecontrol module in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process for controllingthe light modules in the lighting system to switch from executing oneversion of the firmware to executing another version of the firmware.

FIG. 8 depicts an exemplary power cycling sequence generated by anembodiment of the line control module to control the light modules inthe lighting system to switch from executing one version of the firmwareto executing another version of the firmware.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating another exemplary process forcontrolling the light modules in the lighting system to switch fromexecuting one version of the firmware to executing another version ofthe firmware.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process for selecting,via a user interface of an exemplary embodiment of a line controlmodule, a light show to be output by light modules in a lighting system.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating another exemplary process forselecting, via the user interface of an exemplary embodiment of a linecontrol module, a light show to be output by light modules in a lightingsystem.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process for setting atimer of a line control module to control when the light modules outputa selected light show.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process for dimming anoutput of light modules in a lighting system in response to aninteraction between a user and a user interface associated with anexemplary embodiment of the line control module.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process for selecting arate of a light show being output by light modules in a lighting systemin response to an interaction between a user and a user interfaceassociated with an exemplary embodiment of a line control module.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating another exemplary process forselecting a rate of a light show being output by light modules in alighting system in response to an interaction between a user and a userinterface associated with an exemplary embodiment of the line controlmodule.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to alighting system and components thereof including, for example, a linecontrol module and light modules. The line control module can control anoperation of light modules in the lighting system. In exemplaryembodiments, the line control module can control an operation of lightmodules by cycling the power to the light modules (e.g., disconnectingand connecting the light modules to a power source) according to one ormore sets of commands. The sets of commands can determine how many timesthe line control module toggles the power to light modules and/or howlong power to the light modules is interrupted (e.g., disconnected fromthe power source) by the line control module each time the power istoggled. The one or more sets of commands used by the line controlmodule can be determined based on a version of firmware beingimplemented by the light modules and/or a function of the line controlmodule itself.

In accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, theline control module can include a user interface (e.g., one or moreswitches, a display device with a touch screen, a track ball, a rotaryencoder, and/or any other suitable user interface) that allows a user tointeract with the line control module to control an operation of theline control module and/or to control an operation of light modulesoperatively coupled to the line control module. For example, inexemplary embodiments, the user interface can allow the user tochange/select a light show to be output by light modules operativelycoupled to the lighting system, change/adjust an intensity (brightness)of the light being output by the light modules, change/adjust a rate atwhich the light modules cycle through the colors of a light show, and/orcan allow the user to set a timer and/or schedule an operation of thelight modules so that the light modules output light according to thetimer or the schedule of operation.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary lighting system 100 inaccordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Thelighting system 100 can include a circuit formed by a line controlmodule 110, a transformer 120, a junction 130, and light modules 140. Insome embodiments, at least a portion of the lighting system 100 can beimplemented in a pool, spa, and/or other aquatic environment 102, suchthat at least some of the light modules 140 can be underwater lightsand/or above water lights disposed in and/or on the walls or otherfeatures of a pool/spa environment 102. In some embodiments, at least aportion of the lighting system 100 can be implemented outside of thepool/spa environment 102. In exemplary embodiments, the lighting system100 can be configured to provide one or more colors of light. Forexample, as described herein, the light modules 140 can be individuallyand/or collectively controlled by the line control module 110 tostatically output a color (e.g., red, green, blue, yellow, purple,orange, etc.) and/or can be controlled by the line control module 110 todynamically output colors over time according to a programmed colorsequence (e.g., red to blue to green).

In exemplary embodiments, the line control module 110 can beelectrically coupled to a line voltage (e.g., approximately 100-240 VACoperating at approximately 50-60 hertz), which can be used to power theline control module 110 and the light modules 140. For example, the linecontrol module 110 can be a wall-mountable device that is operativelycoupled to a mains power system (e.g., a utility power grid) via acircuit breaker. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the line controlmodule 110 can be connected to a line (or “hot”) wire and a neutral wireof the mains power system. The line control module 110 can be configured(e.g., via a user interface) to selectively open and close/complete thecircuit of the lighting system 100 to control the power to the lightingsystem 100 (e.g., by disconnecting the line voltage and connecting theline voltage, respectively). In exemplary embodiments, the line controlmodule 110 can be configured to open and close the circuit to create asequence of power interruptions or timed power interruptions, which canbe used by the light modules 140 to control an operation of the lightmodules 140 as described herein. While exemplary embodiments may bedescribed relative to certain line voltage, frequency, phase, and wiringschemes, those skilled in the art will recognize that the voltage,phase, frequency, and wiring schemes vary by country and/or geographicregion and that exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are notlimited to line voltages, frequencies, and wiring schemes of anyspecific country and/or geographic region.

Exemplary embodiments of the line control module 110 can be implementedby a pool/spa controller that can control an operation of the lightingsystem 100 as well as an operation of components of a pool/spa (e.g.,chlorinator, heater, pump, etc.), and/or the line control module 110 canbe implemented as a stand-alone controller that is dedicated tocontrolling an operation of the lighting system 100. The line controlmodule 110 can have one or more power interruption operating modes forcontrolling light modules. The power interruption operating mode used bythe line control module 110 can be selected or specified based on aversion of firmware being utilized by the light modules 140 to operatethe light modules 140. As one example, the line control module 110 canoperate according to a first operating mode that generates a first setof control signals to control an operation of the light modules 140. Thefirst set of control signals can cycle the power to the light modulessuch that the operation of the light modules is determined by the numberof times the power is cycled. As another example, the line controlmodule 110 can operate according to a second operating mode thatgenerates a second set of control signals to control an operation of thelight module. The second set of control signals can cycle the power tothe light modules such that the operation of the light module isdetermined by a time period for which the power to the light modules isinterrupted.

The transformer 120 can be electrically coupled to the line controlmodule to receive the line voltage from the line control module 110 whenthe line control module 110 closes/completes the electrical circuit ofthe lighting system 100. The transformer 120 can be a low-voltage (orstep down) transformer that can receive the line voltage via the linecontrol module 110 on a primary (input) side 122 of the transformer 120and can output a reduced voltage to the light modules 140 on a secondary(output) side 124 of the transformer 120. As a non-limiting example,when a line voltage of approximately 120 VAC received by the primaryside 122 of the transformer 120 can be used to generate an outputvoltage on the secondary side 124 of the transformer 120 ofapproximately 12 to approximately 24 VAC. As one non-limiting example,the low-voltage transformers can be the LTBUY11300 wall mounttransformer from Hayward Industries.

The junction box 130 provides a node in the lighting system 100 at whichwires can be joined and allows for parallel circuit arrangements oflights and/or other electrical components. For example, as shown in FIG.1, the lighting system 100 can include a first leg 180 that includes thelight modules 140 and a second leg 185 that includes additional lightmodules 140. While the junction box 130 and the transformer 120 havebeen illustrated as separate components in FIG. 1, those skilled in theart will recognize that the junction box 130 and transformer 120 can beimplemented as a single component in the lighting system 100.Furthermore, for embodiments in which the junction box 130 and thetransformer 120 are separate components, those skilled in the art willrecognize that the transformer 120 can be electrically connected betweenthe line control module 110 and the junction box 130 or the junction box120 can be electrically connected between the line control module 110and the transformer 130. In some embodiments, the transformer 120 can beelectrically coupled to the light modules 140 without passing throughthe junction box 130.

In exemplary embodiments, the light modules 140 receive the low-voltageoutput from the transformer 120 to power the light modules. Each oflight modules 140 can include a module controller 150, one or more lightemitting diode (LED) drivers 170, and one or more LEDs 172 configured tooutput one or more colors (e.g., a red LED 174, a green LED 176, a blueLED 178). The module controller 150 can be formed by a processing device152 and a non-transitory computer-readable medium 154 (e.g.,storage/memory), such as Flash memory. Firmware 156 and light showprograms 158 can be stored in the medium 154. The light show programscan define different output settings for the light modules 140. Forexample, some light show programs can be selected to set the lightoutput of the light modules 140 to static colors that do not change overtime, and some light show programs can be selected to control the lightoutput of the light modules to change colors as a function of time suchthat the light output of the light modules can change from one color toanother.

In exemplary embodiments, the light modules 140 can include multipleversions of firmware 156. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, one or moreof the light modules 140 can include a first version 160 of firmware 156and a second version 162 of firmware 156. When the light modules 140include the versions 160 and 162 of firmware 156, the light modules 140can operate according to either of the versions 160 and 162 of firmware156 by default and/or in response to one or more commands received fromthe line control module 110. In exemplary embodiments, the light modules140 can switch between the first version 160 and second version 162, orvice versa, in response to one or more commands received from the lightcontrol module 110, which can be generated automatically by the lightcontrol module or can be generated in response to an interaction (director indirect) between the user and the light control module 110.

The first version 160 of the firmware 156 can be executed by theprocessing device 152 to process commands from the line control module110 that are generated by power cycling, where a quantity of powerinterruptions corresponds to the command being received. When the firstversion 160 of the firmware 156 is being executed, the commands can beprocessed by the processing device 152 to enable outputting a particularlight show upon receipt of the commands. Each power interruption cancause the light module to increment its output to the next light showaccording to an order of lights shows when the light module operatesaccording to the first version 160 of the firmware 156. For example,Table 1 shows an exemplary order of light shows (color shows 1-17) thatcan be output by one or more of the light modules 140. When the lightmodules 140 are operating according to the first version 160 of thefirmware, to change the output of the light modules 140 from the lightshow, “color show 1,” to the light show, “color show 4,” the lightmodules 140 step through each of the light show programs between thecolor show 1 and color show 4 (e.g., color shows 2 and 3). Using thefirst version 160 of the firmware 160, one power cycle (a disconnectthen reconnect to power) corresponds to one step or increment in theorder such that a transition from color show 1 to color show 4 wouldrequire the light module to receive three power cycles.

TABLE 1 Order of light shows for the first version of firmware. OrderLight Show 1 Color Show 1  2 Color Show 2  3 Color Show 3  4 Color Show4  5 Color Show 5  6 Color Show 6  7 Color Show 7  8 Color Show 8  9Color Show 9  10 Color Show 10 11 Color Show 11 12 Color Show 12 13Color Show 13 14 Color Show 14 15 Color Show 15 16 Color Show 16 17Color Show 17

The second version 162 of the firmware 156 can be executed by theprocessing device 152 to process commands from the line control module110 that include timed power cycling, where a duration of the power off(e.g., power disconnect) time corresponds to the command being received.When the second version 162 of the firmware 156 is being executed, thecommands can be processed by the processing device 152 to enableoutputting a particular light show upon receipt of the commands, settingan intensity of the light output by the LEDs 172, setting a rate (ifapplicable) with which a light show transitions from one color to thenext color (e.g., transition from one color to the next color every 45seconds), and/or can be processed by the processing device 152 tocontrol one or more other functions or parameters of the light module.In some embodiments, some of the light modules 140 can include only thefirst version 160 of the firmware 156, some can include only the secondversion 162 of firmware 156, and/or some light modules 140 can includeboth versions 160 and 162 of the firmware 156.

In exemplary embodiments, the first and/or second versions 160 and 162can include one or more command processing modes. As a non-limitingexample, the second version 162 of the firmware 156 can include a firstcommand processing mode 164 and a second command processing mode 166.The first command processing mode 164 can be implemented to processcommands that are received asynchronously relative to the AC powercycle, and the second command processing mode can be implemented toprocess commands that are received synchronously relative to the ACpower cycle (e.g., commands are synchronized to zero crossings of the ACpower cycle and/or peak AC voltage of the power cycle). The firstcommand processing mode 164 can be configured to use approximately 33millisecond power-off pulse increments (in some embodimentsapproximately 33.33 milliseconds) for commands (e.g., each commandcorresponds to power off time having a multiple of approximately 33milliseconds), and the second command processing mode 166 can useapproximately 17 millisecond power-off pulse increments (in someembodiments approximately 16.67 milliseconds) for commands (e.g., eachcommand corresponds to power off time having a multiple of approximately17 milliseconds). In some embodiments, the ability to use the commandprocessing modes 164 and 166 can depend, at least partially, upon anoperation of the line control module 110 operatively coupled to thelight modules 140.

Table 2 shows an exemplary set of commands that can be generated by theline control module 110 and received by the light modules 140 operatingaccording to the second version 162 of the firmware 156. As shown in the“Off Pulse Width (slow mode) ms” column of Table 2, when the linecontrol module 110 is set to transmit commands asynchronously withrespect the AC voltage cycle, and the light module 140 operatesaccording to the first command processing mode 164, the commands aredetermined by a duration of the power interruption, where the durationof the power interruption can be changed by increments of approximately33 milliseconds starting at approximately 50 milliseconds to generatedifferent commands. For example, a duration of the power interruptionthat is approximately equal to 50 milliseconds corresponds to a commandto set the output of light module 140 to its maximumintensity/brightness, and a duration of the power interruption that isapproximately equal to 83 milliseconds corresponds to a command to setthe brightness of the output of the light module 140 to about 80%. Asshown in the “Off Pulse Width (fast mode) ms” column of Table 2, whenthe line control module 110 is set to transmit commands based on asynchronization with the AC voltage cycle and the light module 140operates according to the second command processing mode 166, thecommands are determined by a duration of the power interruption, wherethe duration of the power interruption can be changed by increments ofapproximately 17 milliseconds starting at approximately 33 millisecondsto generate different commands. For example, a duration of the powerinterruption that is approximately equal to 33 milliseconds correspondsto a command to set the output of light module 140 to its maximumbrightness, and a duration of the power interruption that isapproximately equal to 50 milliseconds corresponds to a command to setthe brightness of the output of the light module 140 to about 80%. The“No. of 60 Hz Ac Cycles for fast mode” column in Table 2, indicates howmany 60 Hz AC cycles the commands correspond to when the line controlmodule 110 is set to transmit commands based on a synchronization withthe AC voltage and the light module 140 operates according to the secondcommand processing mode 166.

TABLE 2 Timed commands for the second version of firmware. Off Pulse OffPulse Width No. of Width (fast mode) 60 Hz AC (slow mode) mS Cycles forIndex mS *60 Hz AC* fast mode Commands 1 50 33 2 Set Brightness to 100%2 83 50 3 Set Brightness to 80% 3 117 67 4 Set Brightness to 60% 4 15083 5 Set Brightness to 40% 5 183 100 6 Set Brightness to 20% 6 217 117 7Set Speed to × 1/16 7 250 133 8 Set Speed to ×⅛ 8 283 150 9 Set Speed to×¼ 9 317 167 10 Set Speed to ×½ 10 350 183 11 Set Speed to ×1 11 383 20012 Set Speed to ×2 12 417 217 13 Set Speed to ×4 13 450 233 14 Set Speedto ×8 14 483 250 15 Set Speed to ×16 15 517 267 16 Color Show 1 16 550283 17 Color Show 2 17 583 300 18 Color Show 3 18 617 317 19 Color Show4 19 650 333 20 Color Show 5 20 683 350 21 Color Show 6 21 717 367 22Color Show 7 22 750 383 23 Color Show 8 23 783 400 24 Color Show 9 24817 417 25 Color Show 10 25 850 433 26 Color Show 11 26 883 450 27 ColorShow 12 27 917 467 28 Color Show 13 28 950 483 29 Color Show 14 29 983500 30 Color Show 15 30 1017 517 31 Color Show 16 31 1050 533 32 ColorShow 17

The processing device 152 can be programmed to execute the firmware 156to retrieve and implement the light show programs 158 according tocommands received from the line control module 110 in the form of powerinterruptions as described herein. The processing device 152 can outputone or more drive signals to the one or more LED drivers 170, which canoperate in response to the drive signals to control an output of the oneor more LEDs 172 to implement the selected light show program. In someembodiments, the drive signals output by the processing device 152 canbe pulse width modulated (PWM) signals. In addition to controlling theone or more LEDs 172 based on a selected light show program, theprocessing device 152 can be programmed to execute the firmware 156 tocontrol an intensity of the light output by the LEDs 172 to control thebrightness of the light output by the LEDs (e.g., in response tocommands from the line control module 110.

In some embodiments, a wireless device 190, such as a mobile phone(e.g., a smart phone), a tablet computer, a laptop, and/or any othersuitable device capable of wireless communication, can be configured tocommunicate with the line control module 110 to control an operation ofthe lighting system 100. For example, the wireless device 190 caninclude an application 192 (stored in a non-transitory computer-readablemedium 191) that can be executed by a processing device 194 of thewireless device 190. Execution of the application 192 by the processingdevice 194 can generate and render graphical user interfaces 196 on adisplay 195 of the wireless device 190, which allows a user of thewireless device 190 to interact with the wireless device 190 to transmitcommands and/or data to the line control module 110 via an RF wirelesstransceiver 198. The line control module 110 can process the commandsand/or data received from the wireless device 190 to output commands tothe light modules 140 (e.g., in the form of sequences of powerinterruptions) to control an operation of the light modules 140. In someembodiments, the graphical user interfaces 196 can be rendered on thedisplay 195 to simulate a user interface (e.g., physical or virtual) ofthe line control module 110 described herein and/or can implementadditional, fewer, and/or different features and/or function than theuser interface of the line control module 110 described herein. Thewireless transceiver 198 can be operatively coupled to the processingdevice 194 to allow the wireless device 190 to wirelessly communicatewith the line control module 110 to transmit and receive commands and/ordata.

The graphical user interfaces 196 can include data output areas todisplay information to the users as well as data entry areas to receiveinformation from the users. For example, data output areas of thegraphical user interfaces 196 can output information associated with anoperation of the line control module and/or light modules to the usersvia the data outputs and the data entry areas of the graphical userinterfaces 196 can receive, for example, information from a userassociated with an operation of the line control module and/or the lightmodules. Some examples of data output areas can include, but are notlimited to text, graphics (e.g., graphs, maps (geographic or otherwise),images, and the like), and/or any other suitable data output areas. Someexamples of data entry fields can include, but are not limited to textboxes, check boxes, buttons, dropdown menus, lists with selectableelements, and/or any other suitable data entry fields.

The graphical user interfaces 196 can allow a user to select light showsto be output by light modules, can adjust an intensity of the lightoutput by the light modules and can adjust a rate at which the lightmodules cycle through a light show. The graphical user interfaces 196can allow the user to specify or set a timer or to schedule an operationof the light modules based on a calendar so that the user can specifydays and times during which the light modules operate as well as whichlight shows are output by the light modules during the scheduled timesof operation can be specified or set.

In an exemplary operation, the line control module 110 can receive inputfrom a user (e.g., via a user interface of the line control module 110and/or from the wireless device 195) selecting a light show to be outputby the light modules 140. In response to the selection, the lightcontrol module can be configured to implement power interruptions to thelight modules 140 (e.g., by disconnecting and connecting the linevoltage) that corresponds to commands for controlling an operation ofthe light modules 140. The light modules 140 can detect the powerinterruptions, and the processing device 152 of the light module 140 canbe programmed to execute the firmware to process the power interruptionsto determine, for example, which of the light shows to retrieve from thecomputer readable medium 154, a brightness of the output of the lightmodules, a rate at which the color output by the light modules change, aversion of firmware to be executed by the light modules 140 (e.g., forlight modules that include multiple versions of firmware), and the like.When the light module receives a command for outputting a light show,the processing device 152 retrieves one of the light show programs 158from storage that corresponds to the selected light show, and outputsdrive signals to the LED driver(s) 170, which correspond to the selectedlight show. The LED driver(s) 170 can drive the LEDs 172 based on thedrive signals to output the selected light show.

FIG. 2A is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the linecontrol module 110. As shown in FIG. 2A, the line control module 110 caninclude circuitry formed by a non-transitory computer-readable medium210 (e.g., computer storage/memory), a processing device 230, a userinterface 240 (including electrical, electromechanical, mechanical,and/or virtual components), an ambient sensing circuit 260, asynchronization circuit 270, a wireless transceiver 280, output switches290, and one or more power supply circuitry 295. In some embodiments,the non-transitory computer-readable medium 210 and the processingdevice 230 can be stand-alone separately packaged components. In someembodiments, the non-transitory computer readable medium 210 and theprocessing device can be packaged or integrated together with or withoutadditional circuitry to form a microcontroller. The power supplycircuitry 295 can be electrically coupled to the circuitry within theline control module 110 to supply power to the circuitry based on the ACline voltage received by the line control module 110. In exemplaryembodiments, some of the circuitry within the line control module 110can have different operating voltages (e.g., 3.3 volts, 4.5 volts,etc.), and the power supply circuitry 295 can be configured to output DCvoltages to the circuitry based on these operating voltages. As anon-limiting example, in some embodiments, the processing device 230 mayhave an operating voltage of approximately 3.3 volts, while portions ofthe user interface 240 may have an operating voltage of approximately4.5 volts.

The non-transitory computer-readable medium 210 (e.g., computer storageand/or memory) can be implemented as, for example, Flash memory, and canstore firmware 212 and light show programs 214. The firmware 212 caninclude executable instructions or code that can be executed by theprocessing device 230 to control an operation of the line control module110. In exemplary embodiments, the firmware 212 can include differentpower interruption operation modes 216 and 220. The power interruptionoperating modes 216 and 220 can correspond to different versions offirmware (e.g., versions 160 and 162 in FIG. 1) included in the lightmodules of a lighting system within which the line control module 110 isimplemented. The operating mode 216 can include a set of commands 218that can be issued by the line control module 110 to control anoperation of the light modules operating according to one version offirmware being implemented by the light modules, and the operating modes220 can include sets of commands 222 and 224 that can be issued by theline control module 110 to control an operation of light modulesaccording to another version of firmware being implemented by the lightmodules.

In exemplary embodiments, the power interruption operating mode 216 offirmware 212 can be compatible with the version 160 of firmware 156(FIG. 1) to allow the processing device 230 of the line control module110 to issue commands, from the set of commands 218, to light modulesoperating according to the version 160 of firmware 156 such that thelight modules can understand and process the commands. For example, thecommands in the set of commands 218 can control a quantity of powerinterruptions (e.g., power cycling) to the light modules to controlwhich light show is output by the light modules. In some embodiments,different quantities of power interruptions can be associated withspecific light shows that can be output by the light modules (e.g., onepower interruption can cause the light module to output Color Show 1 andfive power interruption can cause the light module to output Color Show5). In some embodiments, the quantities of power interruptions can beused by the light modules to determine which light show to output basedon the light show currently being output by the light modules such thatthe line control module can store the last programmed light show beingoutput by the light modules (e.g., if Color Show 1 is being output andtwo power interruptions are received by the light modules, the lightmodules can output Color Show 3, but if Color Show 5 is being output bythe light modules, then two power interruptions can cause the lightmodules to output Color Show 7).

In exemplary embodiments, the power interruption operating mode 220 offirmware 212 can be compatible with the version 162 of firmware 156(FIG. 1) to allow the processing device 230 of the line control module110 to issue commands, from the sets of commands 222 and/or 224, tolight modules operating according to the version 162 of firmware 156such that the light modules can understand and process the commands. Forexample, the commands in the sets of commands 222 and/or 224 can controla duration of a power interruption (e.g., power cycling) to the lightmodules to control which light show is output by the light modules; abrightness of the light output by the light modules; and a rate at whichthe light modules transition from one color to another (for light showsthat repeatedly output a sequence of colors). In some embodiments, foreach set of commands (e.g., sets 222 and 224), there can be a one-to-onecorrelation between a command and a duration of the power interruption,as described herein, for example, with reference to Table 2. In someembodiments, the set of commands 222 can be used to control the lightmodules when the light modules are operating according to the firstcommand processing mode 164 (FIG. 1), and the set of commands 224 can beused to control the light modules when the light modules are operatingaccording to the second command processing mode 166 (FIG. 1).

The light control module 110 can be programmatically configured toautomatically switch between the power interruption operating modes 216and 220 (and the sets of commands 222 and 224) based on the types oflight modules operatively coupled to the line control module 110 and/orcan allow a user to manually switch between the power interruptionoperating modes 216 and 220 (and the sets of commands 222 and 224) basedon user inputs corresponding to the types of light modules operativelycoupled to the line control module 110. As one non-limiting example, theprocessing device 230 of line control module 110 can execute thefirmware 212 to allow the line control module 110 to detect whichfirmware a light module is using, and the processing device 230 canselect the mode (e.g., mode 216 or 220) and set of commands (e.g., sets218, 222, or 224) to utilize when generating power interruptions tocontrol the light module. In some embodiments, the line control modulecan detect whether multiple versions of firmware reside in a lightmodule and can control which version of the firmware is utilized by thelight module by generating one or more power interruptions. As anothernon-limiting, the user can observe a function/operation of the lightmodule to determine (or can otherwise determine) which firmware is beingutilized by light modules and can interact with the line control module110 to set the line control module 110 to a mode (and specify a set ofcommands) to be utilized when generating power interruptions to controlthe light module.

The light show programs 214 stored in the storage/memory 210 cancorrespond to the light show programs stored in the light show programs168 stored in the storage/memory 154 of the light modules 140 (FIG. 1).When a user interacts with the line control module 110 (either directlyor indirectly) to preview a light show before activating a light show tobe output by the light modules, the processing device 230 of the linecontrol module 110 can execute the firmware 212 to retrieve the lightshow program 214 from the storage/memory 210 that corresponds to theuser's selected light show to be previewed, and to output a preview ofthe light show via the user interface 240 of the line control module110. If the user chooses to activate the light show, the processingdevice 230 can issue one or more commands to instruct the light modulesto output the selected light show (e.g., by issuing control signals tothe output switches 290). After the light show is activated, theprocessing device 230 can execute the firmware 212 to reduce abrightness of (or cease outputting) the preview being output by the linecontrol module 110.

The user interface 240 can include electrical, electromechanical,mechanical, and/or virtual components, and can allow a user to interactwith the line control module 110 to control an operation of the lightingsystem within which the line control module 110 is implemented. Inexemplary embodiments, the user interface 240 can include mode selectionswitches 242, a rotary encoder 244, indicators 246 in the form of LEDs248, and a light show preview circuit 250. In some embodiments, at leasta portion of the user interface 240 can be rendered on a display devicehaving a touch screen interface. For example, rather than havingphysical components such as the mode selection switches 242, the rotaryencoder 244, the indicators 246, and/or the light show preview circuit250, the display device can render virtual components that can becontrolled by the user via an interaction with the touch screeninterface.

The mode selection switches 242 can include, for example, a light showselection switch, a brightness selection switch, a timer selectionswitch, and a light show rate switch. The light show selection switchcan be activated by the user to cause the processing device 230 toexecute a light show selection operation to allow the user to select alight show to be output by light modules operatively coupled to the linecontrol module 110. The brightness selection switch can be activated bythe user to cause the processing device to execute a brightnessoperation to allow the user to set and/or adjust a brightness/dimness ofthe light output by light modules operatively coupled to the linecontrol module 110. The timer selection switch can be activated by theuser to cause the processing device 230 to execute a timer operation toallow the user to initiate, set, and/or cancel a timer that controlswhen the light modules output light shows (e.g., a timer can be set for4 hours such that after 4 hours of operation, power to the light modulescan be disconnected y the line control modules to turn the light modulesoff). The light show rate selection switch can be activated by the userto cause the processing device to execute a rate selection operation toallow the user to set and/or adjust a rate at which light modulesoperatively coupled to the line control module 110 cycles through thecolors of the light show. One or more of the mode selection switches 242can be activated to implement additional and/or different operationsthat can be performed by the line control module. For example, one ormore of the mode selection switches 242 can be activated to reset anoperation of the line control module, resynchronize an output of eachlight module to the AC cycle of the line voltage, and/or any can beactivated to implement any other suitable operations. In someembodiments, multiple switches can be activated substantiallysimultaneously to implement one or more operations supported by the linecontrol module 110. The mode selection switches 242 can be implementedas buttons, rocker switches, pressure switches, capacitive switches, andas any other type of switches that can be actuated by a user.

The rotary encoder 244 can include a shaft and a push button. The shaftcan be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise by a user to allow the userto interact with the line module to preview and/or adjust one or moresettings associated with the line control module 110 and/or the lightmodules operatively coupled to the line control module 110. The pushbutton can be activated by a user to allow the user to specify or selectvalues using the shaft of the rotary encoder. As a non-limiting example,the rotary encoder 244 can be used to control parameters or settingsassociated with a rate of the light show being output by the lightmodules, a brightness of the output of the light modules, a time periodduring which the light modules can operation, and/or can allow the userto preview and/or activate a light show to be output by the lightmodules.

The indicators 246 can be controlled by the processing device 230 inresponse to an interaction between a user and the mode selectionswitches 242 and/or the rotary encoder 244 such that the processingdevice 230 energizes or de-energizes one or more of the LEDs 248 tocorrespond to inputs received by the user via the mode selectionswitches 242 and/or the rotary encoder 244. In exemplary embodiments,the indicators 246 can be used by the processing device 230 of the linecontrol module 110 to represent parameters or values associated withdifferent functions/operations of the line control module 110 and/or thelight modules 140 (FIG. 1).

As one example, when a user initiates a brightness/dimming operation byselecting one of the mode selection switches 242 (e.g., the brightnessselection switch), the processing device 230 can energize a quantity ofthe LEDs 248 corresponding to a current, set intensity/brightness of theoutput of the light modules. When the user rotates a shaft of the rotaryencoder, clockwise or counterclockwise, the processing device 230 canreceive signals from the rotary encoder 244 and can control the LEDs 248in response to the signals to increase or decrease the quantity of LEDs248 that are energized to correspond to a brightness setting specifiedby the user's interaction with the rotary encoder 244 (e.g., all of theLEDs 248 can be energized by the processing device 230 when thebrightness is set to a maximum, and one of the LEDs can be energized bythe processing device 230 when the brightness is set to a minimum).

As another example, when a user initiates a rate selection operation byselecting one of the mode selection switches 242 (e.g., the rateselection switch), the processing device 230 can energize a quantity ofthe LEDs 248 corresponding to a current, set color transition rate forthe output of the light modules. In some embodiments, when the userrotates a shaft of the rotary encoder, clockwise or counterclockwise,the processing device 230 can receive signals from the rotary encoder244 and can control the LEDs 248 in response to the signals to increaseor decrease the quantity of LEDs 248 that are energized to correspond toa rate setting specified by the user's interaction with the rotaryencoder 244 (e.g., all of the LEDs 248 can be energized by theprocessing device 230 when the rate is set to a maximum, and one of theLEDs can be energized by the processing device 230 when the rate is setto a minimum). In some embodiments, when the user actuates the rateselection switch, the LEDs 248 can be energized and de-energized togenerate a light chase sequence, where the rate of the chase sequencecan correspond to a rate of the light show. When the user rotates shaftof the rotary encoder 244, clockwise or counterclockwise, the rate ofthe chase sequence can change to indicate a change to the rate of thelight show being output by the light modules (e.g., the rate of thechase sequence can increase when the shaft is rotated clockwise and candecrease when the shaft is rotated counterclockwise.

As another example, when a user initiates a light show selectionoperation either by selecting one of the mode selection switches 242(e.g., the light selection switch) or interacting with the rotaryencoder 244, the processing device 230 can energize one of the LEDs 248that corresponds to a current light show being output by the lightmodules. Alternatively, the LED corresponding to the current light showbeing output may already be energized. When the user rotates a shaft ofthe rotary encoder, clockwise or counterclockwise, the processing device230 can receive signals from the rotary encoder 244 and can control theLEDs 248 in response to the signals to energize one of the LEDs 248 thatcorresponds to a light show specified by the user's interaction with therotary encoder 244 (e.g., each of the LEDs 248 can correspond to aparticular light show that can be output by the light modules, and theLED that is energized by the processing device 230 can correspond to thelight show currently being output by the light modules or a light showthat may be output by the light modules in response to a user'sinteraction with the rotary encoder).

The preview circuit 250 can be configured to output light on the linecontrol module 110 via a preview window that allows a user to preview alight show in response to an interaction between the user and the rotaryencoder 244 before (as well as after) the user activates the light showand the line control module 110 issues commands to the light modules tooutput the activated light show. In exemplary embodiments, the previewcircuit 250 can include one or more LED drivers 252 and one or more LEDs254 (e.g., one or more red LEDs, one or more green LEDs, and one or moreblue LEDs, one or multi-color LEDs). The LEDs 254 can be illuminated inresponse to drive signals received from the processing device 230 viathe LED drivers 252. The preview circuit 250 can be controlled by theprocessing device 230 to simulate a light show that can be output by thelight modules such that a user is not required to view an operation ofthe light modules to determine what a light show looks like; therebyallowing the line control module 110 to be positioned such that thelight modules are not directly observable by a user who is interactingdirectly with the line control module 110.

The ambient sensing circuit 260 can be configured to sense an intensityof ambient light incident on at least a portion of the line controlmodule 110 from the environment within which the line control module 110is disposed. For example, the line control module can be disposed in aninterior wall of a room in a building or can be disposed outside of abuilding such that the light incident upon the line control module 110can depend on whether lights are on in the building and/or whether it islight or dark outside of the building. The sensed intensity of the lightcan be used by the line control module 110 to adjust a brightness of oneor more of the LEDs 248 and/or 254 to compensate for the ambient lightof the environment.

The synchronization circuitry 270 can include a current sense circuit272 and a voltage sense circuit 274, and can be configured to identifyzero crossings of the current and voltage associated with the linevoltage and/or to identify peak voltages associated with the linevoltage. In exemplary embodiments, the current sense circuit 272 and thevoltage sense circuit 274 of synchronization circuitry 270 can beconfigured to generate sense signals that are output to the processingdevice 230, which can execute the firmware 212 to process the sensesignals and to coordinate power interruptions with the sense signals tofacilitate transmission of commands to the light modules. For example,in some embodiments, the processing device 230 can synchronize powerdisconnects and reconnects with zero crossings of the line voltage. Inexemplary embodiments, the current sense circuit 272 measures how muchcurrent is flowing to the transformer 120 (FIG. 1) and may disconnectthe output switches 290 if an overload condition is detected. Theprocessing device 230 can then periodically turn the output switches 290ON to determine if the overload condition persists.

The wireless transceiver 280 can include a radio frequency (RF)transmitter, an RF receiver, and at least one antenna. The wirelesstransceiver 290 can be configured to allow the line control module 110to wirelessly communicate with other devices. As one example, inexemplary embodiments, the processing device 230 of the line controlmodule 110 can execute the firmware 212 to wirelessly transmit, via thetransmitter of the wireless transceiver, information or data, such as astate of the lighting system (e.g., whether the lighting system is on oroff, a light show being output by the lighting system, an operationschedule of the lighting system, etc.), to one or more devices, such asa mobile phone, tablet PC, laptop, and/or any other devices configuredfor wireless communication. As another example, the transceiver of thewireless transceiver 280 can receive information or data, such ascommands or instructions for controlling an operation of the lightingsystem (e.g., to turn the lighting system on or off, to control whichlight show to output from the lighting system, to set an operationschedule of the lighting system, etc.), from one or more devices, suchas a mobile phone, tablet PC, laptop, and/or any other devicesconfigured for wireless communication. In some embodiments, a wirelessreceiver can be used instead of a wireless transceiver such that theline control module can be configured to wirelessly receive informationor data, and not to wireless transmit information or data.

In exemplary embodiments, the wireless transceiver 280 can be aBluetooth® transceiver, such as the RN4020 Bluetooth® transceiver fromMicrochip Technology, Inc., configured to facilitate wirelesscommunication in a frequency range of approximately 2.4 to approximately2.485 GHz. While exemplary embodiments of the wireless transceiver 280can be utilize the Bluetooth® communication protocol, those skilled inthe art will recognize that the wireless transceiver can be utilizedother wireless communication protocols instead of, or in addition to,the Bluetooth® transceiver. For example, in exemplary embodiments, thewireless transceiver can be configured to operate according to WiFicommunication protocols, such as those specified by the Institute ofElectrical and Electronics Engineers' (IEEE) 802.11 standards.

The output switches 290 can be operatively coupled to the line voltagepath and can operate to selectively open and close/complete the circuitof the lighting system to control the power to the lighting system(e.g., by disconnecting the line voltage and connecting the linevoltage, respectively). The output switches 290 can be controlled inresponse to one or more control signals output by the processing device230 based on an execution of the firmware 212 and/or based on aninteraction between the user and the user interface 240. For example,the processing device 230 can execute the firmware 212 to control outputswitches 290 according to a selected light show to be output by thelight modules, a brightness of the output of the light modules, a rateat which the light modules transition between colors of a light show,and the like. In exemplary embodiments, the control signals can be usedto control the operation of the output switches 290 to disconnect andconnect the line voltage to the light modules to generate commands thatcan be processed by the light modules of the lighting system to causethe light modules to perform one or more operations/functions. Inexemplary embodiments, the output switches 290 can be implemented aselectro-mechanical switches, such as relays, or solid states switchesformed by transistors (e.g., MOSFETs).

FIG. 2B is a block diagram showing various components of a line controlmodule 110′ in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the presentdisclosure. In exemplary embodiments, the line control module 110′ canoperate and function as described herein with respect to the linecontrol module 110. As shown in FIG. 2B, the line control module 110′includes a line (or hot) input, a neutral input, and a switched outputthat provides selectively power to lighting modules. The line controlmodule includes a microcontroller 205, which includes a processingdevice and a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing firmware asdescribed herein. Output switches 290′ are formed by two transistors 291and 292, the gates of which can be selectively controlled by a controlsignal (e.g., PWR_ON in the present example) from the microcontroller205 which is provided to the gates via an opto-coupler 293. Power supplycircuitry 295′ can be formed by a zener-diode based shunt regulator 296,a charge pump 297, a voltage regulator 398 (e.g., a low-dropoutregulator), and a zener-diode based shunt regulator 299. The linecontrol module 110′ can also include mode selection switches 242′, therotary encoder 244′, the indicators 246′, the light show preview circuit250′, the ambient sensing circuit 260′, and the wireless transceiver280′ (e.g., a BlueTooth® module).

FIGS. 3A-H depict schematic of the circuitry of exemplary embodiments ofthe line control module 110 in accordance with the present disclosure.FIG. 3A depicts an exemplary microcontroller 300, such as theMK10DX64VLH5 microcontroller from Freescale Semiconductor, Inc., whichincludes a processing device and a computer-readable medium for storingthe firmware (e.g., firmware 212) and the light show programs (e.g.,light show programs 214). FIG. 3B depicts exemplary power supplycircuitry 295, synchronization circuitry 270, and output switches 290.As shown in FIG. 3B, the line control module can have inputs 301 and 303connected to the line voltage and the neutral associated with a mainspower supply, respectively, and outputs 305 and 307 connected to, forexample the low voltage transformer of the lighting system.

Referring to FIG. 3B, the power supply circuitry 295 includes powersupply circuits 302 and 309 that generate DC voltages to power variouscomponents of the line control module 110. In the present embodiment,the power supply circuit 302 includes a zener diode 306, a diode 308, acharge pump 310, a voltage regulator 312, and a reservoir capacitor 314a. The zener diode 306 is operatively coupled to an input of the voltageregulator 310 through the diode 308. The zener diode 306 can operate toclip the AC line voltage received by the line control module from themains power supply to generate a clipped/clamped waveform having a peakvoltage corresponding to the zener voltage of the diode (e.g., 10 volts)and the diode 308 rectifies the clipped/clamped waveform generated bythe zener diode 306 such that the output of the rectifying diode formsthe input of the charge pump 310. A capacitor 307 is implemented as acurrent limiting capacitor.

Reservoir capacitors 314 a can be charged to approximately the zenervoltage to smooth the rectified waveform generated by the diode 308 togenerate a generally steady DC voltage that is approximately equal tothe zener voltage (e.g., 10 volts DC). An output of the charge pump 310represents a DC voltage (e.g., approximately 4.5 volts DC) that issupplied to some components in the line control module and also formsthe input to the voltage regulator 312, which generates another DCvoltage (e.g., approximately 3.3 volts DC) that is supplied to othercomponents of the line control module.

In exemplary embodiments, the DC voltage output by the charge pump 310can be supplied to the preview circuitry (FIG. 3E), and the DC voltageoutput by the voltage regulator 312 can be supplied to the current sensecircuitry 272, the voltage sense circuitry 274, the microprocessor 300(FIG. 3A), the mode selection switch circuitry (FIG. 3C), the rotaryencoder circuitry 244 (FIG. 3D), ambient sensor circuit 260 (FIG. 3G),and the wireless transceiver circuitry 280 (FIG. 3H). A non-limitingexample of a voltage regulator that can be used for the voltageregulator charge pump 310 can be the LM2665M6X voltage regulator fromTexas Instruments, Inc., and a non-limiting example of a voltageregulator that can be used for the voltage regulator 312 can be theTPS79333DBVR from Texas Instruments, Inc.

The power supply circuit 309 can be formed from resistors 311 in serieswith a diode 313, a zener diode 315, and a reservoir capacitor 317. Thediode 313 generates a rectified waveform of the line voltage, and thezener diode 315 clips/clamps the rectified waveform at the zener voltage(e.g., 10 volts). The reservoir capacity 317 charges to the zenervoltage to generate a DC voltage (e.g., 10 volts) that can be suppliedto the output switches 290.

The current sensor circuitry 272 of the synchronization circuit 270 canbe formed by an operational amplifier 316 configured as an invertingamplifier. A positive terminal 318 of the operational amplifier 316 isoperatively coupled to a DC reference voltage via a resistor 319. Anegative terminal 320 of the operational amplifier 316 is operativelycoupled to the line voltage via a series circuit including a capacitor324, and a resistor 326. An output terminal 328 of the operationalamplifier 316 is operatively coupled to the negative terminal 320 of theoperational amplifier 316 via a resistor 330 and a capacitor 332 in aparallel configuration to form a negative feedback path between theoutput terminal 328 and the negative terminal 320. The output of theoperational amplifier 316 corresponds to the current flowing through theline voltage path between the input and output of the line controlmodule, and is provided as an input to the microcontroller 300 as acontrol signal (ISENSE), which can be processed by the microcontrollerto determine whether the lighting system is drawing a current thatexceeds a threshold current to determine when to disconnect and/orreconnect the line voltage from the lighting system.

Voltage sense circuitry 274 of the synchronization circuit 270 can beformed by a current mirror that includes a first leg 334 and a secondleg 335. The first leg 334 is connected between the line voltage andground, and has resistors 336 (e.g., 100 kilo-ohm resistors) disposed inseries with a (bipolar junction) transistor 338. The second leg 335 isconnected between the DC voltage output by the voltage regulator 312(e.g., approximately 3.3 volts) and ground, and has a resistor 340(e.g., 100 kilo-ohm resistor) disposed in series with a (bipolarjunction) transistor 342. An emitter 344 of the transistor 338 in thefirst leg 334 is coupled to a base 346 of the transistor 342 in thesecond leg 335, and an emitter 348 of the transistor 342 in the secondleg 335 is coupled to a base 350 of the transistor 338 in the first leg334. The AC line voltage is applied to the base 346 through the currentlimiting resistors 336. When the AC line voltage is positive, thetransistor 342 turns on and VSENSE goes LOW. When AC line voltage isnegative, the transistor 342 turns off and VSENSE goes HIGH. As such,the voltage sense circuitry can operate to determine when a zerocrossing occurs in the AC line voltage The transistor 338 protectsbase-emitter junction of the transistor 342 from breaking down duringnegative half cycle.

The output switches 290 can be disposed in series in the line voltagepath between an input of the line control module and an output of theline control module. As shown in FIG. 3B, the output switches 290 can beformed from N-channel, enhancement mode, metal oxide semiconductor fieldeffect transistors (MOSFETs) 350 a and 350 b. The gates 352 a and 352 bof each MOSFET 350 a and 350 b, respectively, are coupled to an outputof an opto-isolator 354, through which the MOSFETs 350 a and 350 breceive a control signal (PWR_OFF) from the microcontroller 300 to turnthe MOSFETs on and off. The sources 356 a and 356 b of each MOSFET 350 aand 350 b, respectively, are coupled to each other. The drain 358 a ofthe MOSFET 350 a is operatively coupled to the input 301 of the linecontrol module that receives the line voltage via the mains powersupply, and the drain 358 b of the MOSFET 350 b is operatively coupledto the output 305 of the line control module that connects the linevoltage to the low voltage transformer. When the MOSFETs 350 a and 350 bare in the off (non-conductive) state, the line control moduledisconnects the line voltage from the output of the line control module.When the MOSFETs 350 a and 350 b are in the on (conductive) state, theline control module connects the line voltage to the output of the linecontrol module to supply the line voltage to the lighting system.

Referring now to FIG. 3C, the line control module can include modeselection switches 242 in the form of push button switches 360 a-d, eachhaving terminals 362 a-d connected to ground 364 and terminals 366 a-dconnected to a pull-up circuits 368 a-d and the microcontroller 300,respectively, such that when the switches are “closed” signals (e.g.,SW1, SW2, SW3, SW4) to the microcontroller 300 are at ground 364, andwhen the switches 360 a-d are “open” the signals (e.g., SW1, SW2, SW3,SW4) to the microcontroller 300 are at a DC voltage (e.g., 3.3 volts)output by the power supply circuit 302. The microcontroller 300 can beprogrammed to execute the firmware to perform one or more operations inresponse an activation of any one or more of the switches as describedherein. In exemplary embodiments, the switch 360 a can be a light showselection switch that can be activated by the user to cause theprocessing device 230 to execute a light show selection operation toallow the user to select a light show to be output by light modulesoperatively coupled to the line control module 110; the switch 360 b canbe a brightness selection switch that can be activated by the user tocause the processing device to execute a brightness operation to allowthe user to set and/or adjust a brightness/dimness of the light outputby light modules operatively coupled to the line control module 110; theswitch 360 c can be a timer selection switch that can be activated bythe user to cause the processing device 230 to execute a timer operationto allow the user to initiate, set, and/or cancel a timer that controlswhen the light modules output light shows; and the switch 360 d can be alight show rate selection switch that can be activated by the user tocause the processing device to execute a rate selection operation toallow the user to set and/or adjust a rate at which light modulesoperatively coupled to the line control module 110 cycles through thecolors of the light show. One or more of the switches 360 a-d can beactivated to implement additional and/or different operations that canbe performed by the line control module. For example, one or more of theswitches 360 a-d can be activated to reset an operation of the linecontrol module, resynchronize an output of each light module to the ACcycle of the line voltage, and/or any can be activated to implement anyother suitable operations. In some embodiments, multiple switches can beactivated substantially simultaneously to implement one or moreoperations supported by the line control module 110. While the switches360 a-d have been described as push buttons, those skilled in the artwill recognize that the switches 360 a-d can be implement use anysuitable type of switch including, but not limited to rocker switches,pressure switches, capacitive switches, and as any other type ofswitches that can be actuated by a user.

FIG. 3D depicts exemplary rotary encoder 244 of an embodiment of theline control module. In some embodiments, the rotary encoder 244 can bethe PEC12R-3220E-S0024 or the PEC11L-4120E-S0020 rotary encoder fromBourns, Inc., that can include a rotatable shaft with a push button. Therotary encoder 244 can be configured to generate output signals (ENC_Aand ENC_B) in response to a rotation of the shaft and an output signal(ENC_SW) in response to an activation of the push button. Each of theoutputs can be electrically coupled to the DC voltage output from thevoltage regulator 312 via a pull-up resistor 372. The output signals(ENC_A and ENC_B) generated in response to a rotation of the shaft canbe input the microcontroller 300 (FIG. 3A), which can process thesignals to correlate the rotation of the shaft to a selection by a user,as described herein, for example, when specifying, a light show,brightness, rate of the light show, a time period during which the lightmodules are on, and the like. The output signal (ENC_SW) generated inresponse to an activation of the push button can be input to themicrocontroller 300, which can process the signal to determine when auser has selected, set, or activated a light show, brightness value, arate value of the light show, a time period during which the lightmodules are on, and the like.

FIG. 3E depicts preview circuitry 250 of an embodiment of the linecontrol module. As shown in FIG. 3E, the preview circuitry 250 caninclude a multicolor LED 254 configured to output different colors usinga red LED 374, green LED 376, and a blue LED 378. The preview circuit250 can also include drivers 252, each of which are formed by aresistors 380 a-c and a transistor 382 a-c. In operation, the DC voltageoutput by the voltage regulator 310 of the power supply circuit 302 isoperatively coupled to the LEDs 374, 376, and 378, and the transistors382 a-c are configured as switches to turn the LEDs 374, 376, and 378 onand off, respectively, and to control a current flowing through LEDs374, 376, and 378 to control an intensity of the light output by theLEDs 374, 376, and 378, respectively. The gates of the transistors 382a-c can be driven by control signals (RLED, GLED, and BLED) output bythe microcontroller 300 in response to the output signals (ENC_A, ENC_B,and/or ENC_SW) received by the microcontroller 300 from the rotaryencoder device 370 when the user chooses to preview and/or activatelight shows in the lighting system.

FIG. 3F depicts indicators 246 of an embodiment of the line controlmodule. As described herein, the indicators 246 include LEDs 248. Theanodes of the LEDs 248 are operatively coupled to the microcontroller300 via resistors 384, and the cathodes of the LEDs 248 are operativelycoupled to a drain of a transistor 386. A source of the transistor 386is operatively coupled to ground and a gate of the transistor 386 isoperatively coupled to the microcontroller 300 (FIG. 3A). In exemplaryembodiments, the LEDs 248 can be disposed circumferentially about theshaft of the rotary encoder. The LEDs 248 are each driven by controlsignals (LED1-LED17) output by the microcontroller 300 such that themicrocontroller 300 can control each of the LEDs 248 independently. Themicrocontroller 300 can output a control signal (LED_PWM), such as apulse width modulated signal, to the gate of the transistor 386 tocontrol an average current flowing through the LEDs 248, and thereforean intensity of the light being output by the LEDs 248 when themicrocontroller 300 is driving the LEDs 248.

FIG. 3G depicts ambient sensor circuitry 260 of an embodiment of theline control module. The ambient sensor circuitry 260 can include aphotodiode or photo sensor 388, such as the APDS-9007 ambient lightphoto sensor from Avago Technologies. The photo sensor 388 can receivethe DC voltage output by the voltage regulator 312 (FIG. 3B). Inexemplary embodiments, the photo sensor 388 can output a signal(AMB_OUT) to the microcontroller 300 that is based on the intensity oflight incident on the photo sensor 388, and the photo sensor 388 canreceive a control signal (AMB_SD) from the microcontroller 300, whichcan be provided by the microcontroller 300 to shut down the photo sensor388. The signal (AMB-OUT) output by the photo sensor 388 can beprocessed by the microcontroller 300, which can control an intensity ofthe LEDs 248 and 254 of the indicator circuitry 246 and the previewcircuitry 250, respectively.

FIG. 3H depicts wireless transceiver circuitry 280 of an embodiment ofthe line control module. As shown in FIG. 3H, the wireless transceivercircuitry 280 can include a wireless transceiver module 390, such as theRN4020-V/RM Bluetooth® Low Energy Module from Microchip Technology, Inc.The wireless transceiver module 390 can receive the DC voltage output bythe voltage regulator 312 (FIG. 3B). In exemplary embodiments, thewireless transceiver module 390 can be operatively coupled to themicrocontroller 300 to receive data signals (BT_TX) from themicrocontroller 300 for wireless transmission, and can be operativelycoupled to the microcontroller 300 to transmit data signals (BT_RX) tothe microcontroller 300, which were wirelessly received. For example,the microcontroller 300 can transmit data associated the line controlmodule and/or the lighting system to a wireless device via the wirelesstransceiver module, and can receive data (including commands orinstructions) from the wireless device to control an operation of theline control module and/or the lighting system as described herein. Thewireless transceiver module 390 can receive a control signal(BT_WAKE_HW) from the microcontroller 300 to control whether thewireless transceiver module 390 is “awake” or in “sleep” mode. In someembodiments, an output of the wireless transceiver module 390 can beoperatively coupled to an LED 392. The LED 392 can be energized toindicate that a wireless device is “paired” with the wirelesstransceiver module 390 and/or that the wireless device and the linecontrol module are in wireless communication with each other.

As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the present circuitrydescribed with respect FIGS. 3A-H illustrate an exemplary non-limitingimplementation of the line control module 110. Exemplary embodiments ofthe present disclosure can include different circuit configurationsand/or components. For example, FIGS. 4A-D show alternative embodimentsof circuitry that can implemented for various portions of the linecontrol module 110′ in accordance with exemplary embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 4A depicts the microcontroller 205, which includes a processingdevice and a computer-readable medium for storing the firmware (e.g.,firmware 212) and the light show programs (e.g., light show programs214). FIG. 4A also shows exemplary embodiments of the indicators 246′,preview circuitry 250′, and ambient sensing circuitry 260′. As shown inFIG. 4A, the indicators 246′ can include LEDs 248′ that can beselectively controlled by control signals output by the microcontroller205 and the operation of a transistor 386′; the preview circuit 250′ caninclude a red LED 374′, green LED 376′, a blue LED 378′, and drivers252′, each of which are formed by a resistors 380′ and a transistor382′; and the ambient sensing circuitry 260 can include an ambientsensor 388′ that outputs a voltage or current to the microcontrollerthat is proportional to the light incident upon the ambient sensor 388′.

FIG. 4B depicts exemplary power supply circuitry 295′, the current sensecircuit 272, the voltage sense circuit 274, and the output switches 290′in the form of transistors 291 and 292, the gates of which are driven bya control signal from the microcontroller 205 via the opto-isolator354′. A resistor 399 is operatively coupled between the gates of thetransistors 291 and 292 and their respective sources. The power supplycircuitry includes the shunt regulator 296 formed by the zener diode306′, the charge pump 297 and the voltage regulator 298, which generallyprovide power to various components of the line control module 110′. Inaddition, the power supply circuitry 295′ includes the shunt regulator299 formed by the zener diode 315′, which provides power to the outputswitches 290′.

FIG. 4C depicts the exemplary rotary encoder 244′ and additionalcircuitry to facilitate outputting signals (EN_A, EN_B, and EN_SW) tothe microcontroller as described herein.

FIG. 4D depicts the wireless transceiver circuitry 280′ of an embodimentthe line control module 110′. As shown in FIG. 4D, the wirelesstransceiver circuitry 280′ can include a wireless transceiver module390′, such as the RN4020 from Microchip Technology, Inc. In exemplaryembodiments, the wireless transceiver module 390′ can be operativelycoupled to the microcontroller 205 to receive data signals (BT_TX) fromthe microcontroller 205 for wireless transmission, and can beoperatively coupled to the microcontroller 205 to transmit data signals(BT_RX) to the microcontroller 205, which were wirelessly received. Forexample, the microcontroller 205 can transmit data associated the linecontrol module and/or the lighting system to a wireless device via thewireless transceiver module, and can receive data (including commands orinstructions) from the wireless device to control an operation of theline control module and/or the lighting system as described herein. Thewireless transceiver module 390 can receive a control signal(BT_WAKE_HW) from the microcontroller 205 to control whether thewireless transceiver module 390 is “awake” or in “sleep” mode as well asa control signal CMD forming commands to be processed by the wirelesstransceiver. In some embodiments, an output of the wireless transceivermodule 390 can be operatively coupled to an LED 392. The LED 392 can beenergized to indicate that a wireless device is “paired” with thewireless transceiver module 390 and/or that the wireless device and theline control module are in wireless communication with each other.

FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary illustration of a wallmount assembly 400 including an exemplary embodiment of the line controlmodule 110 in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the presentdisclosure. FIG. 5 depicts a front view of the wall mount assembly 400in an assembled form. As shown in FIG. 5, an exemplary embodiment of theline control module 110 can be implemented to be disposed in anelectrical box 402 that can be mounted to a wall or other structure (notshown). For example, exemplary embodiments of the line control module110 can be disposed in a conventional single gang electrical box, a twogang electrical box, a three-gang electrical box, and so on. The linecontrol module 110 can be secured to the electrical box 402 using screws404. A face plate 406 can be fitted to a front 408 of the line controlmodule 110 and screws 410 can be used to secure the face plate 406 tothe line control module 110. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the face plate406 can include an opening 412 configured to receive at least a portionof the front 408 of the line control module 110 such that a portion ofthe line control module 110 extends flush with and/or through theopening 412 of the face plate 406 when the wall assembly 400 is in itsassembled form.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the front 408 of the line control module 110can include a preview window 420, mode selection buttons 422, arotatable knob 424 with a push button 426, and indicator windows 428a-q. The preview window 420 can be positioned over and/or aligned withthe RGB LED 254 of the preview circuit 250 (FIGS. 2A and 3E) to allowlight being emitted by the LED 254 to be visible through the previewwindow 420. A user of the line control module 110 can preview and/orsimulate light shows that can be output by a lighting system through thepreview window 420 via the preview circuit as described herein. The modeselection buttons 422 can be actuated by a user to interact with themode selection switches 242 (FIGS. 2A and 3C) to control an operation ofthe light control module 110 and/or the light modules in the lightingsystem as described herein. The rotatable knob 424 and push button 426can be operatively coupled to a shaft of the rotary encoder 244 (e.g.,FIGS. 2A and 3D), and the knob 424 can be rotated by a user to rotatethe shaft of the rotary encoder to control one or more operationparameters of line control module 110 and/or of the light modules in alighting system operatively coupled to the line control module. The pushbutton 426 can be actuated by a user to allow the user to select one ormore parameters or settings specified by the user via rotation of theknob 424 and/or can be actuated to implement one or more operations orfunctions of the line control module 110 and/or of the light modules ina lighting system operatively coupled to the line control module.

The indicator windows 428 a-q can be positioned over or aligned with theLEDs 248 of the indicator circuitry (FIGS. 2A and 3F) to allow lightbeing emitted by the LEDs 248 to be visible through the indicatorwindows 428 a-q to indicate one or more settings associated with one ormore parameters of the line control module; one or more settingsassociated with one or more parameters of the light modules; and/or toindicate an interaction between a user and the knob 424. In the presentembodiment, indicator windows 428 a-q can be disposed circumferentiallyabout the knob 424. Each of the indicator windows 428 a-q can correspondto one of the LEDs 248 of the indicator circuitry, and can alsocorrespond to one of the available light shows that can be output by alight modules operatively coupled to the line control module 110.

As described herein, the LEDs 248 can be energized or de-energized toindicate various settings and/or parameters via the indicator windowsthat are associated with an operation of the line control module 110and/or the light modules operatively coupled to the line control module.As one example, when a user wishes to preview and/or select a light showto be output by the lighting system, the user can rotate the knob 424(and therefore the shaft of the rotary encoder to select a light show.As the user rotates the knob 424, the LEDs 248 can be energized andde-energized to correlate a rotation of the knob 424 with illuminationof the LEDs 248 to indicate, through one of the indicator windows 428a-q, the light show that corresponds to the current rotation of the knob424. As another example, when the user is adjusting anintensity/brightness or rate of a light show, the user can rotate theknob 424 to change the intensity/brightness, timer/schedule, or therate. As the user rotates the knob 424, the LEDs 248 can be energizedand de-energized to correlate a rotation of the knob 424 withillumination of the LEDs 248 to indicate, through one or more of theindicator windows 428 a-q, settings associated with theintensity/brightness, timer/schedule, or rate that corresponds to thecurrent rotation of the knob 424.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process 600 forcontrolling the light modules in the lighting system to switch fromexecuting a (default) version of the firmware (e.g., version 160 inFIG. 1) to executing another version of the firmware (e.g., version 162in FIG. 1). In some embodiments, the version of firmware being executedby the light modules can be switched within a specified time period(e.g., 15 seconds) after being turned on (e.g., after being connected toa power source via the line control module). During this specifiedperiod, the light modules can output a white light. A user can testwhether any of the light modules include multiple versions of firmware.For example, at step 602, the user can actuate one or more of the modeselection switches of the line control module (e.g., pressing thebrightness and light show selection buttons simultaneously), which, atstep 604, can cause the line control module to execute a power togglesequence, shown in FIG. 8.

When the light modules receive this command, any of the light modulesthat include another version of firmware will go dark (e.g., ceaseoutputting light) for approximately one second at 606, then begin toflash blue at step 608. Light modules that do not include anotherversion of the firmware will not flash blue upon receiving this command.The user can determine if any of the light modules do not includeanother version of the firmware by observing which, if any, lightmodules are not flashing blue in response to the command. In someembodiments, if any of the light modules do not include another versionof firmware, all of the light modules in the system continue to beoperated using the default version of firmware even if some of the lightmodules include another version of firmware. If any light modules do notinclude another version of firmware (step 610), the user can press afirst set of the modes selection switches at step 614. This will causethe light modules to turn off for 30 seconds at step 616 (e.g., inresponse to a power disconnect). When power returns, all light moduleswill operate according to the default version of firmware at step 618.If all of the light modules are include another version of the firmware(step 610), the user can actuate a second set of the mode selectionswitches then to change the version of firmware being executed by thelight modules at step 620.

If the line control module is capable of synchronous power line control(step 622), at step 624, the line control module sends a mode command tothe light modules in the form of a single power toggle of approximately250 milliseconds to set the operation of the light modules to a commandprocessing mode that corresponds to a set of commands having a specifiedpower interruption timing. For example, the mode command received by thelight modules can set an operation of the light modules to the commandprocessing mode 166 provided by the firmware 162 (FIG. 1), which cancorrespond to the set of commands 224 of the power interruption mode 220(FIG. 2A). If the line control module is not capable of synchronouscontrol (step 622), at step 626, the line control module sends adifferent mode command to the light modules in the form of a singlepower toggle of approximately 450 milliseconds to set the operation ofthe light modules to a command processing mode that corresponds to a setof commands having a specified quantity power interruptions. Forexample, the longer mode command received by the light modules can setan operation of the light modules to the command processing mode 164provided by the firmware 162 (FIG. 1), which can correspond to the setof commands 222 of the power interruption mode 220 (FIG. 2A).

As shown in FIG. 8, an exemplary power toggle sequence to changeversions of firmware includes an “OFF” period 705 for approximately 250milliseconds (e.g., disconnect the power), an “ON” period 710 forapproximately 250 milliseconds (e.g., connect the power), an “OFF”period 715 for approximately 250 milliseconds, and then “ON” (denoted by720) until another command is issued by the line control module 110 orthe power to the light modules is disconnected to turn the light modulesoff. An additional power toggle 725 having one of two “off” time periods(e.g., approximately 250 milliseconds or approximately 450 milliseconds)can follow the reconnection of power if the line control mode isconfigured to specify which power interruption and command processingmodes will be used to issue commands from the line control module to thelight modules.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating another exemplary process 800 forcontrolling the light modules in the lighting system to switch fromexecuting one version of the firmware (e.g., version 162 in FIG. 1) toexecuting a different (default) version of the firmware (e.g., version160 in FIG. 1). At step 802, while a light show is running, power to thelight modules is toggled a specified quantity of times (e.g., threetimes) by the line control module, and the duration of the powerinterruption of each power toggle lasts for a specified time period(e.g., eleven seconds). At step 804, after the final power toggle, thelight modules flash between white and red. At step 806, power to thelight modules is interrupted by the line control module to turn thelight modules off for a specified time period (e.g., thirty seconds). Atstep 808, when power is reconnected to the light modules after thespecified time period, the light modules operate according the differentversion of firmware.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process 900 forselecting, via the user interface of an exemplary embodiment of the linecontrol module 110, a light show to be output by light modules in alighting system. At step 902, the processing device of the line controlmodule controls the user interface to output an indication of thecurrent or the last selected light show by illuminating thecorresponding indicator LED and/or by outputting a preview of thecurrent light show via the preview circuit. At step 904, in response toa rotation of the shaft of the rotary encoder, the rotary encoder canoutput electrical signals to the processing device. At step 906, theprocessing device of the line control module can execute the firmware tocontrol the indicator LEDs to de-energize the indicator LED associatedwith the last selected show, energize the indicator LED associated withthe light show corresponding to the rotation of the shaft of the rotaryencoder, and energize one or more of the LEDs of the preview circuit tooutput a preview of the light show associated with the degree to whichthe shaft of the rotary encoder is rotated. At step 908, after aspecified time period has passed without further rotation of the shaft,the processing device of the line control module controls an operationof the output switches to issue commands to the light modules, in theform of one or more power toggles as described herein, instructing thelight modules to output the selected light show. At step 910, theindicator LED associated with the selected light show can be controlledby the processing device of the line control module to flash/blink aspecified number of times to provide confirmation that the line controlmodule issued a command to the light modules to output the selectedlight show, and at step 912, the processing device of the line controlmodule controls the user interface to dim the LED(s) of the previewcircuit and/or the indicator circuit.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process 1000 forselecting, via the user interface of an exemplary embodiment of the linecontrol module 110, a light show to be output by light modules in alighting system. At step 1002, the processing device of the line controlmodule controls the user interface to output an indication of thecurrent or the last selected light show by illuminating thecorresponding indicator LED and/or by outputting a preview of thecurrent light show via the preview circuit. At step 1004, in response toa rotation of the shaft of the rotary encoder, the rotary encoder canoutput electrical signals to the processing device. At step 1006, theprocessing device of the line control module can execute the firmware tocontrol the indicator LEDs to de-energize the indicator LED associatedwith the last selected show, energize the indicator LED associated withthe light show corresponding to the rotation of the shaft of the rotaryencoder, and energize one or more of the LEDs of the preview circuit tooutput a preview of the light show associated with the degree to whichthe shaft of the rotary encoder is rotated. At step 1008, in response toan actuation of the pushbutton of the rotary encoder by the user, theprocessing device of the line control module controls an operation ofthe output switches to issue commands to the light modules, in the formof one or more power toggles as described herein, instructing the lightmodules to output a selected light show. At step 1010, the processingdevice of line control module controls the indicator circuit tosequentially illuminate the indicator LEDs from the previous light showbeing output by the light modules to the currently selected light showbeing output by the light modules to provide confirmation that the linecontrol module issued a command to the light modules to transition fromoutputting the last light show to outputting the currently selectedlight show.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process 1100 forsetting a timer to control when the light modules output a selectedlight show. At step 1102, in response to a selection of the timerselection button by a user, the processing device of the line controlmodule can execute the firmware to illuminate a default number ofindicator LEDs to indicate a number of hours for which the timer is set.For example, in the present example, the processing device can executethe firmware to energize two adjacent indicator LEDs to indicate thatthe timer time period of two hours. The user can then rotate the shaftof the rotary encoder until a desired length of time is reached for thetimer. At step 1104, in response to a rotation of the shaft of therotary encoder to the desired length of the timer, the processing deviceof the line control module can illuminate a quantity of consecutivelypositioned indicator LEDs (e.g., disposed in a circular arrangement) toindicate the number of hours selected by the user. At step 1106, after aspecified time period and/or in response to an actuation of the modeselection switch associated with the timer function (e.g., the timerselection switch), the processing device of the line control module canstart the timer and can control the illuminated LEDs to flash/blink toindicate that the timer has been set for the selected number of hours.At step 1108, the indicator LEDs that were illuminated to indicate thenumber of hours for which the timer is set are de-energized. At step1110, the line control module determines whether any time remains on thetimer. If not, the processing device of the line control moduledisconnects the light modules from the power source to turn the lightmodules off at step 1112 and the process terminates. Otherwise, theprocessing device of the line control module determines whether aspecified status time period has expired. If not, the line controlmodule will wait at step 1114 for the specified status time period toexpire. Once the status time period expires (step 1114), at step 1116,the processing device of the line control module energizes a quantity ofthe indicator LEDs according to indicate the time remaining on the timerto the nearest hour and the process repeats from step 1108. For example,if the user set the timer to six hours and five hours remain, the linecontrol module can illuminate five indicator LEDs. At any time duringthe process 1100, the user can actuate the mode selection buttonassociated with the timer to reset the timer to its default value (e.g.,a default number of hours).

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process 1200 fordimming the output of the light modules in the lighting system inresponse to an interaction between a user and the user interface of anexemplary embodiment of the line control module. At step 1202, the linecontrol module illuminates a quantity of indicator LEDs in response toan actuation of the mode selection switch associated with the brightnesssetting of the light modules (e.g., the brightness selection switch).For example, all of the indicator LEDs can be illuminated to indicatethat the brightness of the light modules is currently set to a maximumbrightness. In response to a rotation of the shaft of the rotaryencoder, the processing device of the line control module can controlthe quantity of indicator LEDs that are illuminated (e.g.,increase/decrease the quantity of indicator LEDs that are illuminated)to indicate an adjustment to the brightness of the output of the lightmodules at step 1204. As one example, the user can rotate the shaft ofthe rotary encoder in a counterclockwise direction to decrease aquantity of indicator LEDs are illuminated and to correspondinglydecrease the intensity/brightness (dim) of the output of the lightmodules. As another example, the user can rotate the shaft in aclockwise direction to increase a quantity of indicator LEDs areilluminated and to correspondingly increase the intensity/brightness ofthe output of the light modules. At step 1206, the processing device ofthe line control module controls an operation of the output switches toissue commands to the light modules, in the form of one or more powertoggles as described herein, instructing the light modules to adjust theintensity/brightness of their outputs based on a brightness levelselected by the user. At step 1208, the light modules receive andprocess the commands and adjust the drive signals to the LEDs to adjustan intensity of light output by the LEDs of the light module.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process 1300 forselecting a rate of a light show being output by the light modules inthe lighting system in response to an interaction between a user and theuser interface of an exemplary embodiment of the line control module. Atstep 1302, the line control module controls the indicator LEDs to outputlight in a chase sequence to indicate a current rate setting for thelight show being output by the light modules. At step 1304, in responseto a rotation of the shaft of the rotary encoder, the processing deviceof the line control module increases or decreases the speed of the chasesequence to indicate an adjustment to the rate of the light show outputby the light modules. As one example, the user can rotate the shaft ofthe rotary encoder in a counterclockwise direction to decrease the speedof the chase sequence and correspondingly to decrease the rate of thelight show output by the light modules. As another example, the user canrotate the shaft of the rotary encoder in a clockwise direction toincrease the speed of the chase sequence and to correspondingly decreasethe rate of the light show output by the light modules. At step 1306,after a specified time period and/or in response to an actuation of themode selection switch associated with the rate function (e.g., the rateselection switch), the processing device of the line control modulecontrols an operation of the output switches to issue commands to thelight modules, in the form of one or more power toggles as describedherein, instructing the light modules to adjust the rate of the lightshow being output by the light modules. At step 1308, the processingdevice of the line control module controls the indicator LEDs toflash/blink to confirm that the light modules have been instructed toadjust the rate of the light show being output by the light modules. Atstep 1310, the light modules receive and process the commands and adjustthe drive signals to the LEDs to adjust a rate of the light show beingoutput by the LEDs of the light module.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating another exemplary process 1400 forselecting a rate of a light show being output by the light modules inthe lighting system in response to an interaction between a user and theuser interface of an exemplary embodiment of the line control module. Atstep 1402, the line control module controls the preview circuit to cyclethe output light to simulate the light show being output by the lightmodules at the rate currently set by the line control module. At step1404, in response to a rotation of the shaft of the rotary encoder, theprocessing device of the line control module controls the LEDs of thepreview circuit to increase or decrease the rate at which the previewcircuit cycles through the colors of the light show to indicate anadjustment to the rate. As one example, the user can rotate the shaft ofthe rotary encoder in a counterclockwise direction to decrease the rateat which the preview circuit cycles through the colors of the light andto corresponding decrease the rate of the light show output by the lightmodules. As another example, the user can rotate the shaft of the rotaryencoder in a clockwise direction to increase the rate at which thepreview circuit cycles through the colors of the light show and tocorrespondingly increase the rate of the light show output by the lightmodules. At step 1406, after a specified time period and/or in responseto an actuation of the mode selection switch associated with the ratefunction (e.g., the rate selection switch), the processing device of theline control module controls an operation of the output switches toissue commands to the light modules, in the form of one or more powertoggles as described herein, instructing the light modules to adjust therate of the light show being output by the light modules. At step 1408,the processing device of the line control module controls the indicatorLEDs to flash/blink to confirm that the light modules have beeninstructed to adjust the rate of the light show being output by thelight modules. At step 1410, the light modules receive and process thecommands and adjust the drive signals to the LEDs to adjust a rate ofthe light show being output by the LEDs of the light module.

In describing example embodiments, specific terminology is used for thesake of clarity. For purposes of description, each specific term isintended to at least include all technical and functional equivalentsthat operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.Additionally, in some instances where a particular example embodimentincludes a plurality of system elements, device components or methodsteps, those elements, components or steps may be replaced with a singleelement, component or step. Likewise, a single element, component orstep may be replaced with a plurality of elements, components or stepsthat serve the same purpose. Moreover, while example embodiments havebeen shown and described with references to particular embodimentsthereof, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that varioussubstitutions and alterations in form and detail may be made thereinwithout departing from the scope of the invention. Further still, otherembodiments, functions and advantages are also within the scope of theinvention.

Example flowcharts are provided herein for illustrative purposes and arenon-limiting examples of methods. One of ordinary skill in the art willrecognize that example methods may include more or fewer steps thanthose illustrated in the example flowcharts, and that the steps in theexample flowcharts may be performed in a different order than the ordershown in the illustrative flowcharts.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A lighting system comprising: a lightmodule configured to output light in different colors according to lightshow programs, the light module including a first microprocessor and amemory storing the light show programs; and a line control moduleoperatively coupled to the light module, the line control moduleincluding a second microprocessor controlling transmission of linevoltage to the light module to selectively power the light module,wherein the line control module sends commands to the light module tocontrol an operation of the light module by interrupting transmission ofthe line voltage to the light module for specified time periods inresponse to user inputs received by the line control module, the firstmicroprocessor of the light module selecting and executing one of thelight show programs stored in the memory in response to interruption ofthe line voltage, wherein the light module includes a plurality ofversions of light module firmware and the light module is configured tooperate according to a specified one of the versions of light modulefirmware in response to the commands received from the line controlmodule, and wherein the line control module includes a plurality of setsof commands and is configured to select one of the plurality of sets ofcommands to be utilized based on the specified one of the versions oflight module firmware being implemented by the light module.
 2. Thelighting system of claim 1, wherein one of the specified time periodscorresponds to a command to set the output of the light module to one ofthe light show programs.
 3. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein oneof the specified time periods corresponds to a command to set anintensity of light output by the light module.
 4. The lighting system ofclaim 1, wherein one of the specified time periods corresponds to acommand to set a rate at which the light module cycles through a lightshow.
 5. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein the line control modulecomprises: one or more output switches for selectively connecting theline voltage to the light module; and a non-transitory computer-readablemedium storing line control module firmware, the second microprocessorprogrammed to execute the line control module firmware to control theone or more output switches to interrupt power to the light moduleaccording to a specified set of commands in the line control modulefirmware.
 6. The lighting system of claim 5, wherein each command in theset of commands corresponds to a quantity of power interruptions.
 7. Thelighting system of claim 5, wherein each command in the set of commandscorresponds to a specified time period of a power interruption.
 8. Thelighting system of claim 1, wherein the light module comprises: aplurality of light emitting diodes configured to output light indifferent colors; and a module controller operatively coupled to thelight emitting diodes, the module controller being responsive to thecommands sent by the line control module to drive the light emittingdiodes according to a light show program.
 9. The lighting system ofclaim 8, wherein the module controller is responsive to the commandssent by the line control module to drive the light emitting diodesaccording to an intensity setting included in one of the commands. 10.The lighting system of claim 8, wherein the module controller isresponsive to the commands sent by the line control module to drive thelight emitting diodes according to a rate setting included in one of thecommands to control an output of the light emitting diodes to cyclethrough colors of the light show program at the rate setting.
 11. Thelighting system of claim 1, wherein the specified one of the versions oflight module firmware includes a first command processing mode and asecond command processing mode, wherein the first command processingmode is responsive to power interruption having a first duration and thesecond command processing mode is responsive to power interruptionhaving a second duration.
 12. The lighting system of claim 1, whereinthe line control module comprises a preview circuit configured to outputa preview of a light show.
 13. The lighting system of claim 1, whereinthe line control module comprises: a rotary encoder having a shaft and apush button switch; and indicator light emitting diodes encircling theshaft of the rotary encoder, wherein the indicator light emitting diodeare energized and de-energized in response to rotation of the shaft. 14.A lighting system comprising: a light module configured to output lightin different colors according to light show programs, the light moduleincluding a first microprocessor and a memory storing the light showprograms; and a line control module operatively coupled to the lightmodule, the line control module including a second microprocessorcontrolling transmission of line voltage to the light module toselectively power the light module, wherein the line control modulesends commands to the light module to control an operation of the lightmodule by interrupting transmission of the line voltage to the lightmodule for specified time periods in response to user inputs received bythe line control module, the first microprocessor of the light moduleselecting and executing one of the light show programs stored in thememory in response to interruption of the line voltage, and includes aplurality of sets of commands and is configured to select one of theplurality of sets of commands to be utilized based on whether the linecontrol module is configured to issue the commands in synchronizationwith the line voltage; and wherein the light module includes a pluralityof versions of light module firmware and the light module is configuredto operate according to a specified one of the versions of light modulefirmware in response to the commands received from the line controlmodule.
 15. The lighting system of claim 14, wherein one of thespecified time periods corresponds to a command to set the output of thelight module to one of the light show programs.
 16. The lighting systemof claim 14, wherein one of the specified time periods corresponds to acommand to set an intensity of light output by the light module.
 17. Thelighting system of claim 14, wherein one of the specified time periodscorresponds to a command to set a rate at which the light module cyclesthrough a light show.
 18. The lighting system of claim 14, wherein theline control module comprises: one or more output switches forselectively connecting the line voltage to the light module; and anon-transitory computer-readable medium storing line control modulefirmware, the second microprocessor programmed to execute the linecontrol module firmware to control the one or more output switches tointerrupt power to the light module according to a specified set ofcommands in the line control module firmware.
 19. The lighting system ofclaim 14, wherein the light module comprises: a plurality of lightemitting diodes configured to output light in different colors; and amodule controller operatively coupled to the light emitting diodes, themodule controller being responsive to the commands sent by the linecontrol module to drive the light emitting diodes according to a lightshow program.
 20. The lighting system of claim 14, wherein the linecontrol module comprises a preview circuit configured to output apreview of a light show.